JUSTICE-One of the most casual examples of the racial inequality in our justice system is what happens to African Americans during routine traffic stops, Compton Mayor Aja Brown told HuffPost Live last week.
"A black person is pulled over, the first question is not, 'Can I see your driver's license and your registration?' It is, 'Are you on parole or probation? Do you live here? Is this your car? Is it in your name?' And so I think there is a total different reality that we have to address here, and it really goes back to the system," Brown said.
The mayor said America needs a "civil rights 2.0" movement that puts the focus on "leveling the justice system to where it actually is equality and justice for all."
Voters in Compton elected Brown in June 2013. She was 31 years old at the time, making her the city's youngest-ever mayor. Since taking office, Brown has spoken out against the legalization of marijuana and said she hopes to make Compton the new Brooklyn.
Brown also spoke to HuffPost Live about how athletes like LeBron James, who recently wore an "I can't breathe" T-shirt, can play a role in fighting apathy among young people in America.
● See more of her interview here.
(Ryan Buxton posts at HuffingtonPost.com where this report and video were first posted.)
-cw
{module [862]}
{module [662]}
CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue 102
Pub: Dec 19, 2014
